The nationally listed Hyer farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings represent an intact and well-preserved slice of early 20th century rural architecture in Washington state.

The Hyer Farmstead near Sequim was placed on the Most Endangered Places list in 1994 because of demolition threats due to the re-routing and expansion of Highway 101. The truly stellar collection of early 20th century farm buildings, considered at the lime to be one of the best surviving rural properties on the Olympic Peninsula, included the farmhouse, barn, and water tower—all placed on the National Register in 1994.

The farm was purchased in 1997 by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Highway 101 bypass and put up for sale with the condition that its historic character be preserved. For several years, Clallam County intended to buy the property but never signed the purchase agreement. In 2003, WSDOT put Hyer Farm up for public auction, with the historic restrictions in place. The bid opening on May 14th revealed that a local buyer was the successful bidder. The new owner then proceeded to work on farmhouse rehabilitation, seek funds for preservation of other buildings on the site, and work towards an overall agricultural use.

Read more from our “40 for 40” featured story from the Washington Trust’s 40th anniversary in 2016.